The Queensland Productivity Commission has released an issues paper for the manufacturing inquiry seeking input from the public, organisations and industry.

QPC Principal Commissioner Kim Wood said manufacturing in Queensland was facing challenges but also had many opportunities.

“Manufacturing is impacted by international competition, new domestic and international markets, workforce capabilities, the level of innovation and business costs,” Mr Wood said.

“In 2014–15, manufacturing contributed more than $20 billion to the Queensland economy and employed over 160,000 people.”

“That is why the QPC is dedicated to delivering an effective inquiry that delivers practical policy options for government grounded in robust economic advice.”

Mr Wood said the QPC would investigate options to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the manufacturing sector including in regional Queensland. “The Queensland Government has asked the Commission to assess the sector’s performance and potential and the effectiveness of current policy and regulatory settings,” he said.

“The Commission has also been asked to report on the changing nature of manufacturing in Queensland and the experience and policy reforms from overseas jurisdictions.”

“First, we would like contributions from the wider public and industry on the issues and are asking those interested to use this issues paper as a guide in providing their feedback.”

The Commission will consult widely with stakeholders throughout Queensland during the inquiry. A draft report is scheduled for release in May 2017, with a final report provided to the government in August 2017.

Submissions on the issues paper are invited by 10 January 2017. The issues paper can be accessed at: